Sri Lankan authorities have intensified security measures for Israeli nationals currently in the country, following intelligence reports suggesting potential threats.
As a precaution, 24-hour police protection has been deployed to Chabad Centres operating across multiple police divisions.
The Chabad Centres, which cater to the religious, dietary, and social needs of Israeli tourists and residents, are located in several key areas and have become focal points for Israeli nationals during their stay in Sri Lanka.
Authorities further emphasized that this response is part of a broader security framework designed to protect all foreign nationals residing in or visiting Sri Lanka.
In the event of any credible threat against individuals or communities from overseas, the Sri Lanka Police will conduct an assessment and provide the necessary security arrangements.
Meanwhile, a peaceful protest and candlelight vigil held on Sunday at Liberty Circle drew a vocal crowd calling for solidarity with the Palestinian people and demanding that Sri Lanka sever all official ties with the Israeli government.
The demonstration, organised by a coalition of civil society groups and concerned citizens, focused on both international justice and domestic accountability.
A key issue highlighted during the protest was the reported operation of Chabad houses, synagogues, and businesses allegedly run by Israeli nationals without proper legal registration.
Protesters claimed that these entities are functioning with little transparency and may be operating outside the legal framework.
Following the vigil, demonstrators marched peacefully to what they described as an “illegal” Chabad house located on Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha in Colombo 3.
Protesters said they were surprised to find armed police officers stationed at the premises, which they viewed as a misuse of public resources.
“What we saw was shocking,” one protester wrote on social media. “Peaceful Sri Lankans were surrounded and told to leave, while state security was being used to protect an unlicensed foreign establishment.”
Protestors also questioned the government’s priorities, citing the ongoing economic hardship faced by Sri Lankan citizens.
“Sri Lanka is bankrupt, and yet our tax money is being used to protect foreign interests while people can’t afford basic necessities,” the social media post added.
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